The last post made me think of this place, which may as well have a post of its own: Theo Chocolates. This is a chocolate factory in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle. If I have my information correct, they are fair trade and organic. They also have some unique and innovative flavors. Chocolate bars can be had at the factory as well as most local supermarkets. However, they also have truffles at the factory which I have not seen elsewhere.
They have factory tours which are pretty interesting but do cost $6. I think we went before they started to charge when the factory first opened. It may not be worth the cost, as there are usually some free samples in the shop when you walk in.
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There is usually a weekend (or is it just Sunday) market in Fremont as well if you need another reason to be in that part of town.
And while I'm talking about Fremont. Brouwer's Cafe is a wonderful place to sample Belgian Beers and some good Euro pub cuisine. It is a bit pricey, but usually Belgian Beers are. And as you can see, pretty much right across the street from the chocolate factory. Our own little Brussels in two buildings.
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Friday, August 28, 2009
Sightseeing Part III
Not for kids:
Located where we locals call "The Eastside" (East of Lake Washington, not Seattle.) are two different but similar venues that are for adults.
One is the Red Hook Brewery. They have tours of the brewery for $1. I think when we went that meant trying five different beers. They may have had malted barley to try or toasted hops as well, I don't remember. They have a pub too, but I don't recall it being memorable food. But I do seem to recall good pricing on cases if you are into that sort of thing.
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Practically right across the street is the Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery. They have free and pay tastings. I'm not particularly a fan, but I think Jennifer likes their bubbly. But if you are going to the brewery, it can't hurt to visit if you have a designated driver. (Or took the bus.) A popular thing to do as a resident of Seattle is to ride your bicycle on the Burke Gilman trail to these sites, partake in the tours and ride back. (Perhaps after a picnic or pub lunch.) Round trip on a bicycle from our house is about 40 miles.
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Located where we locals call "The Eastside" (East of Lake Washington, not Seattle.) are two different but similar venues that are for adults.
One is the Red Hook Brewery. They have tours of the brewery for $1. I think when we went that meant trying five different beers. They may have had malted barley to try or toasted hops as well, I don't remember. They have a pub too, but I don't recall it being memorable food. But I do seem to recall good pricing on cases if you are into that sort of thing.
View Larger Map
Practically right across the street is the Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery. They have free and pay tastings. I'm not particularly a fan, but I think Jennifer likes their bubbly. But if you are going to the brewery, it can't hurt to visit if you have a designated driver. (Or took the bus.) A popular thing to do as a resident of Seattle is to ride your bicycle on the Burke Gilman trail to these sites, partake in the tours and ride back. (Perhaps after a picnic or pub lunch.) Round trip on a bicycle from our house is about 40 miles.
View Larger Map
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Sightseeing - Part II
Stuff for kids?
Seattle is known for having a pretty nice zoo. It isn't nearly as big as the Bronx Zoo, or as famous as the San Diego Zoo. But it is a modern zoo and they have lots of fun exhibits. A great place to bring kids but there is a lot of walking. It is pretty pricey, but we may have some discount tickets for people that plan on going. We can also tell you how to park for free at the zoo.
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The aquarium is also pretty popular. It is smaller, takes less time and is equally expensive. I don't think we have any discounts, but we'll check. Also, since it is downtown on a pier, there isn't any free parking to be had. ('cept maybe Sundays) It is nice to go when they are feeding the Pacific Octopus.
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There is also the Pacific Science Center. We haven't been there, so we don't have any first hand knowledge. Probably fairly typical of that type of museum. Not sure if we have any discounts for that either.
Parks:
Golden Gardens - Where the wedding will be. Has a beach and some steep hiking trails.
Carkeek - A short way up the Seattle coastline from Golden Gardens. Hiking trails and a less developed beach.
Discovery - (Disco Park) Lots of trails for hiking. rugged beach, lighthouse. Seattle's largest city park.
Magnuson - Another large park with relatively flat trails and beach on Lake Washington.
Gasworks - A nice park with views of downtown and Lake Union. Interesting industrial relics
Green Lake - Walking/jogging path. Beaches, small boat rentals.
And of course, there are the Ballard Locks. Where the main attraction is the fish ladder. See salmon heading to their spawning grounds up river. If you like boats, watch as they pass through the locks as well. If you like The Deadliest Catch, then you may wish to check out The Lockspot. It is a dive fisherman's bar where they film scenes for the show. Contrary to their claim, they do not have the best fish and chips in town. (So far I think that goes to another dive bar, The Tin Hat. But it has been a while since I've been there.)
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Seattle is known for having a pretty nice zoo. It isn't nearly as big as the Bronx Zoo, or as famous as the San Diego Zoo. But it is a modern zoo and they have lots of fun exhibits. A great place to bring kids but there is a lot of walking. It is pretty pricey, but we may have some discount tickets for people that plan on going. We can also tell you how to park for free at the zoo.
View Larger Map
The aquarium is also pretty popular. It is smaller, takes less time and is equally expensive. I don't think we have any discounts, but we'll check. Also, since it is downtown on a pier, there isn't any free parking to be had. ('cept maybe Sundays) It is nice to go when they are feeding the Pacific Octopus.
View Larger Map
There is also the Pacific Science Center. We haven't been there, so we don't have any first hand knowledge. Probably fairly typical of that type of museum. Not sure if we have any discounts for that either.
Parks:
Golden Gardens - Where the wedding will be. Has a beach and some steep hiking trails.
Carkeek - A short way up the Seattle coastline from Golden Gardens. Hiking trails and a less developed beach.
Discovery - (Disco Park) Lots of trails for hiking. rugged beach, lighthouse. Seattle's largest city park.
Magnuson - Another large park with relatively flat trails and beach on Lake Washington.
Gasworks - A nice park with views of downtown and Lake Union. Interesting industrial relics
Green Lake - Walking/jogging path. Beaches, small boat rentals.
And of course, there are the Ballard Locks. Where the main attraction is the fish ladder. See salmon heading to their spawning grounds up river. If you like boats, watch as they pass through the locks as well. If you like The Deadliest Catch, then you may wish to check out The Lockspot. It is a dive fisherman's bar where they film scenes for the show. Contrary to their claim, they do not have the best fish and chips in town. (So far I think that goes to another dive bar, The Tin Hat. But it has been a while since I've been there.)
View Larger Map
Sightseeing - Part I
As everyone probably knows, the main tourist attraction in Seattle is the Pike Public Market. For us locals it is a place to buy good bread, fresh fish, fruits and veggies, flowers, and spices. It is also a good place to pick up a lunch time snack. Most locals know that during tourist season the market is a zoo on weekends and getting down to shopping is just plain difficult. The best time to visit the market is usually mid week, and if you are lucky enough, the dark months.
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As far as I know the tourists go to ogle the flowers and to watch fish fly. And to visit the site of the first Starbucks. But there are fun snacks to be had and our favorites include Daily Dozen Doughnuts, and Piroshky-Piroshky. Daily Dozen, or as we call it "the punk rock donut shop" makes small, hot out of the oil donuts for about $1.50/half dozen. Usually there are some dirty looking punk rock guys operating the stand and the donuts are great. For a little more money, you can get them with cinnamon or powdered sugar. Piroshky-Piroshky is a shop that sells piroshkis. Which are Russian/Ukrainian pastries filled with sweet or savory fillings. If I'm shopping for a lunch, I'm likely to go savory, but you can smell the cinnamon from the sidewalk and they can be hard to resist.
Another Seattle institution at the market is Beecher's Cheese. They have a shop where cheese making is done on the premises. They usually have samples out to taste. They make some nice but expensive mac and cheese, and most of their cheeses can be purchased there or in many Seattle supermarkets.
The Chukar Cherry Company also has a stand at the market and offers all kinds of dried fruit, sometimes coated in chocolate. They also offer nuts and jams.
If you go, an hour and a half should be enough time for most people. There is street parking nearby, and a handful of public garages if you are taking a car. All of which costs money. (Except perhaps Sundays.)
Also, the Pan Africa Market, is an Ethiopian restaurant we frequent on 1st Ave just outside the market.
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As far as I know the tourists go to ogle the flowers and to watch fish fly. And to visit the site of the first Starbucks. But there are fun snacks to be had and our favorites include Daily Dozen Doughnuts, and Piroshky-Piroshky. Daily Dozen, or as we call it "the punk rock donut shop" makes small, hot out of the oil donuts for about $1.50/half dozen. Usually there are some dirty looking punk rock guys operating the stand and the donuts are great. For a little more money, you can get them with cinnamon or powdered sugar. Piroshky-Piroshky is a shop that sells piroshkis. Which are Russian/Ukrainian pastries filled with sweet or savory fillings. If I'm shopping for a lunch, I'm likely to go savory, but you can smell the cinnamon from the sidewalk and they can be hard to resist.
Another Seattle institution at the market is Beecher's Cheese. They have a shop where cheese making is done on the premises. They usually have samples out to taste. They make some nice but expensive mac and cheese, and most of their cheeses can be purchased there or in many Seattle supermarkets.
The Chukar Cherry Company also has a stand at the market and offers all kinds of dried fruit, sometimes coated in chocolate. They also offer nuts and jams.
If you go, an hour and a half should be enough time for most people. There is street parking nearby, and a handful of public garages if you are taking a car. All of which costs money. (Except perhaps Sundays.)
Also, the Pan Africa Market, is an Ethiopian restaurant we frequent on 1st Ave just outside the market.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Places to eat
If you are from out of town and visiting for a bit. Here are some of our favorite places to eat out:
$5-$20/two people
Red Mill Burgers (Burgers, obviously)
Szechuan Bistro (Chinese)
Cafe Besalu (French Breakfast)
Gordito's (Mission burritos)
Mae Phim (Thai)
Mighty O Donuts (Donuts)
Top Pot Doughnuts (Obvious)
Salumi (Italian sandwiches pasta)
Araya's Place (Thai, not Tom)
Than Brother's (Vietnamese noodle soups)
$20-30/two people
Lunchbox Laboratory (Heart attack burgers)
Aqua Verde (Mexican + kayak rentals)
La Carta De Oaxaca (Authentic Mexican)
La Isla (Puerto Rican)
La Casa Del Mojito (Central/South American, where we got engaged!)
The People's Pub (German/Central European - pub)
Feierabend/Bierstube/Prost (German - pub)
Thai Siam (spicy Thai)
Bengal Tiger (Indian)
$30+/two people
Senor Moose Cafe (Authentic Mexican)
Snappy Dragon (Chinese)
Carmelita (Vegetarian)
Tom Douglas' Restaurants (We're partial to the Palace Kitchen and Dahlia but Etta's is good for fish.)
The prices are approximate based on what Jennifer and Gilbert spend without drinks. For instance, Gilbert spent $20 on himself at Lunchbox Laboratory once, with shake and sides. We can also spend less than $30 at Snappy Dragon if no appetizers are ordered.
We don't eat out that much, and tend to revisit most of the same places. We'll add more as we think of them. Most of these are somewhat located in our neck of the woods. Others are downtown or elsewhere.
Hopefully we'll get to eat with out of towners for dinner or breakfast on Friday or Sunday, (or breakfast Saturday...) We don't have anything planned for those time slots yet, but our parents may need to be involved.
$5-$20/two people
Red Mill Burgers (Burgers, obviously)
Szechuan Bistro (Chinese)
Cafe Besalu (French Breakfast)
Gordito's (Mission burritos)
Mae Phim (Thai)
Mighty O Donuts (Donuts)
Top Pot Doughnuts (Obvious)
Salumi (Italian sandwiches pasta)
Araya's Place (Thai, not Tom)
Than Brother's (Vietnamese noodle soups)
$20-30/two people
Lunchbox Laboratory (Heart attack burgers)
Aqua Verde (Mexican + kayak rentals)
La Carta De Oaxaca (Authentic Mexican)
La Isla (Puerto Rican)
La Casa Del Mojito (Central/South American, where we got engaged!)
The People's Pub (German/Central European - pub)
Feierabend/Bierstube/Prost (German - pub)
Thai Siam (spicy Thai)
Bengal Tiger (Indian)
$30+/two people
Senor Moose Cafe (Authentic Mexican)
Snappy Dragon (Chinese)
Carmelita (Vegetarian)
Tom Douglas' Restaurants (We're partial to the Palace Kitchen and Dahlia but Etta's is good for fish.)
The prices are approximate based on what Jennifer and Gilbert spend without drinks. For instance, Gilbert spent $20 on himself at Lunchbox Laboratory once, with shake and sides. We can also spend less than $30 at Snappy Dragon if no appetizers are ordered.
We don't eat out that much, and tend to revisit most of the same places. We'll add more as we think of them. Most of these are somewhat located in our neck of the woods. Others are downtown or elsewhere.
Hopefully we'll get to eat with out of towners for dinner or breakfast on Friday or Sunday, (or breakfast Saturday...) We don't have anything planned for those time slots yet, but our parents may need to be involved.
Friday, August 14, 2009
what to wear.
Greetings. A bunch of people asked about what the attire for the wedding is. The easy answer is wear something that is comfortable. We plan to have a pretty casual wedding. The place is right on the beach, and you may want to take a walk. Guys can wear khakis and shirts or whatever (wouldn't that be funny if every guy showed up in khaki khakis!) and women slacks, skirts, or whatever. Anyhoo, we are so excited you are coming, and we want you to be happy and comfortable. Yay!
Golden Gardens
For those who don't live in Seattle, here is a map of the wedding location:
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The bath house is the building on the beach near where it says "Golden Gardens Park."
A map with our house (A) and the wedding location (B):
View Larger Map
We know most of you won't need to know the directions from our house to the site, but it may be helpful to orient yourself as you may find yourself at our house before the party. (uh, ceremony) Soon there will be maps and links to attractions for those who will be staying in the area and exploring.
View Larger Map
The bath house is the building on the beach near where it says "Golden Gardens Park."
A map with our house (A) and the wedding location (B):
View Larger Map
We know most of you won't need to know the directions from our house to the site, but it may be helpful to orient yourself as you may find yourself at our house before the party. (uh, ceremony) Soon there will be maps and links to attractions for those who will be staying in the area and exploring.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Hello friends!
Happy to see you have found our site. You have been invited to our wedding because we love you and you have somehow touched us and inspired us along the way.
Some pictures of Golden Gardens:
We are looking forward to having our family and our friends gather. And getting married!
We certainly understand the great distance that some of you must travel. Although your presence would be loved, if the trip is difficult to make for you, your blessings would be more than enough. We will celebrate when our paths next cross.
Hoping to see you soon!
Suggestions for daytrip ideas in Seattle and details about the wedding to follow shortly!
Some pictures of Golden Gardens:
We are looking forward to having our family and our friends gather. And getting married!
We certainly understand the great distance that some of you must travel. Although your presence would be loved, if the trip is difficult to make for you, your blessings would be more than enough. We will celebrate when our paths next cross.
Hoping to see you soon!
Suggestions for daytrip ideas in Seattle and details about the wedding to follow shortly!
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